American Airlines (AA) will purchase supersonic jetliners following its decision to acquire up to 20 Overture aircraft from Boom Supersonic. The airline has paid a non-refundable deposit on the initial 20 aircraft.
“Looking to the future, supersonic travel will be an important part of our ability to deliver for our customers. We are excited about how Boom will shape the future of travel both for our company and our customers, said Derek Kerr, AA’s Chief Financial Officer.
AA is the world’s largest airline and will have the world’s largest supersonic fleet if the orders fructify into actual deliveries. Boom Supersonic has said it expects the Overture aircraft to carry its first passengers by 2029.
Boom Supersonic announced that AA’s agreement to purchase up to 20 Overture aircraft included an option for an additional 40. Under the terms of the agreement, Boom must meet industry-standard operating performance and safety requirements as well as AA’s other customary conditions before delivery of any Overtures.
Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO, Boom, said, “We believe Overture can help American deepen its competitive advantage on network, loyalty and overall airline preference through the paradigm-changing benefits of cutting travel times in half.”
The Overture aircraft will travel twice the speed of today’s fastest commercial aircraft. It is designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7 over water, with a range of 4,250 nautical miles.
Boom revealed the final production design of Overture in July, and the prototype aircraft is slated for roll-out in 2025.